Reflections on Sorrento Centre by Cathedral parishioner and annual Sorrento Centre attendee Lesley Godwin

Summer (since the late 70s) has always meant Sorrento Centre. And when my children were young, the anticipation was intense! Everyone helped with the packing of the “Sorrento Box”. On the mornings of summer departure, the slumbering children were settled in the back of our aged station wagon and we were on our way! The closer that we got, the more exciting that things got! Through Chase BC, then came the first sighting of the name ‘Sorrento’ on the highway signage. The 5 mph sign welcomed us as we turned onto the property. And then…the magic started!

Weeks there were rich with courses from dear friend Herbert O’Driscoll, and other luminaries such as John Spong, Hanna Kassis and Bishop Jim Cruickshank. Sorrento Centre building names like Nova Vita, Spes Bona and Kekuli became familiar on the lips of all ages. The day fell into a familiar routine. St Francis chapel for morning Eucharist under the trees, programmes for adults and children, and after lunch…Shuswap lake! After supper differing events occurred until the candles were lit outside of the cabanas, wine was poured, the day was discussed and memories made. Campfire, the dance, and let’s not forget the exuberance and excitement of skit night…all highlights of the week. And it was always with a sense of sadness that we had to leave when our time was over. What is its magic? It is really a unique place out of time.To be in community with like-minded folk of all ages journeying together, worshipping, learning, sharing life for awhile in a lovely place where one feels so close to our Creator and becomes renewed. There is space to open one’s heart, to trust and grow, and to leave feeling changed and empowered. Back in our own parish church, the smiles shared after a Sorrento Centre week say it all. We were at Sorrento. We are still at Sorrento! Be part of the magic this summer!